Background and Aims:Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)represents an escalating healthcare burden across the Middle East and North Africa(MENA)region;however,system-level preparedness remai...Background and Aims:Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)represents an escalating healthcare burden across the Middle East and North Africa(MENA)region;however,system-level preparedness remains largely undefined.This study aimed to assess existing models of care,clinical infrastructure,policy frameworks,and provider perspectives across 17 MENA countries.Methods:A cross-sectional,mixed-methods survey was distributed to clinicians from MASLD-related specialties across the region.A total of 130 experts(87.2%response rate)from academic,public,and private sectors in 17 countries participated.The questionnaire addressed national policies,diagnostic and therapeutic practices,referral pathways,multidisciplinary team(MDT)integration,and patient/public engagement.Quantitative responses were analyzed descriptively,while qualitative inputs underwent thematic analysis.Results:Only 35.4%of respondents confirmed the presence of national clinical guidelines for MASLD,and 73.1%reported the absence of a national strategy.Structured referral pathways were reported by 39.2%of participants,and only 31.5%believed the current model adequately addresses MASLD.While 60%supported MDT approaches,implementation remained inconsistent.Limited access to transient elastography was reported by 26.2%of providers.Public education efforts were minimal:22.3%reported no available tools,and 87.7%indicated the absence of patient-reported outcomes data.Nearly half(47.7%)cited poor patient adherence,attributed to low awareness,financial barriers,and lack of follow-up.Conclusions:Significant policy,structural,and educational gaps persist in MASLD care across the MENA region.To address this rising burden,countries must adopt integrated national strategies,expand access to non-invasive diagnostic tests,institutionalize MDT care,and invest in both public and provider education as essential pillars of system-wide preparedness.展开更多
文摘Background and Aims:Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)represents an escalating healthcare burden across the Middle East and North Africa(MENA)region;however,system-level preparedness remains largely undefined.This study aimed to assess existing models of care,clinical infrastructure,policy frameworks,and provider perspectives across 17 MENA countries.Methods:A cross-sectional,mixed-methods survey was distributed to clinicians from MASLD-related specialties across the region.A total of 130 experts(87.2%response rate)from academic,public,and private sectors in 17 countries participated.The questionnaire addressed national policies,diagnostic and therapeutic practices,referral pathways,multidisciplinary team(MDT)integration,and patient/public engagement.Quantitative responses were analyzed descriptively,while qualitative inputs underwent thematic analysis.Results:Only 35.4%of respondents confirmed the presence of national clinical guidelines for MASLD,and 73.1%reported the absence of a national strategy.Structured referral pathways were reported by 39.2%of participants,and only 31.5%believed the current model adequately addresses MASLD.While 60%supported MDT approaches,implementation remained inconsistent.Limited access to transient elastography was reported by 26.2%of providers.Public education efforts were minimal:22.3%reported no available tools,and 87.7%indicated the absence of patient-reported outcomes data.Nearly half(47.7%)cited poor patient adherence,attributed to low awareness,financial barriers,and lack of follow-up.Conclusions:Significant policy,structural,and educational gaps persist in MASLD care across the MENA region.To address this rising burden,countries must adopt integrated national strategies,expand access to non-invasive diagnostic tests,institutionalize MDT care,and invest in both public and provider education as essential pillars of system-wide preparedness.
